Broad auto-reactive IgM responses are common in critically ill patients, including those with COVID-19
Andrew Kam Ho Wong, Isaac Woodhouse, David Schneider, Deanna A. Kulpa, Guido Silvestri, Cheryl L. Maier
Abstract
, including pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cells. By using a combination of flow cytometry, analytical proteome microarray technology, and lactose dehydrogenase (LDH)-release cytotoxicity assays, we identify high-affinity, complement-fixing, auto-reactive IgM directed against 260 candidate autoantigens, including numerous molecules preferentially expressed on the cellular membranes of pulmonary, vascular, gastrointestinal, and renal tissues. These findings suggest that broad IgM-mediated autoimmune reactivity may be involved in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19, thereby identifying a potential target for therapeutic interventions.
Topics & Concepts
Critically illCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakMedicineCritical illnessVirologyIntensive care medicineInternal medicineOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchCOVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesDiabetes and associated disorders